Canada

Idle No More blockades CN Rail

The Canadian Press -
Dec 24, 2012 / 2:00 pm | Story:
85014

Photo: The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Drummers play on the tracks as people from Aamjiwnaang First Nation and supporters gather for a meeting with officials as their blockade of the CN St. Clair spur line that began Friday, continues in Sarnia, Ont., Sunday, December 23, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley

Members of a southwestern Ontario First Nation stepped up a protest in Sarnia, marching through the streets on the fourth day of their blockade of a CN Rail line in the city.

The Aamjiwnaang First Nation said both the demonstration that began at Sarnia city hall on Monday and the ongoing blockade are part of the national Idle No More protests against the Harper government's recently passed omnibus budget legislation, Bill C45.

Organizer Vanessa Gray said the rally aimed to bring the community together "to stand up for what your rights are and what you believe in."

Gray told protesters the government's legislation, which critics say weakens environmental protection, affects not only First Nations people, but "every person across the nation."

Greg Plain, who took part in the march, agrees all Canadians need to be aware of what First Nations are doing.

"It's not an Indian thing," he said. "We may be about the loudest but as far as Canadians, you all need to be advised, you know, these things are affecting all of us."

Meanwhile, there was no indication Monday of when the rail blockade would come to an end.

A court injunction has been issued giving police the power to end the blockade, but Sarnia's mayor has said they won't interfere as long as the situation remains peaceful.